DRDO Exam 2026 | DRDO Exam Eligibility | DRDO Exam Syllabus | DRDO Exam Pattern | PYQ DRDO | Mock Test DRDO | Previous Year Question Papers DRDO | DRDO Recruitment 2026 Preparation Strategy & Career Growth

The DRDO Exam 2026 is one of the most awaited competitive examinations for candidates aspiring to work with India’s premier defense research organization – the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Every year, DRDO conducts recruitment exams for various technical and non-technical posts such as Scientist ‘B’ (through DRDO CEPTAM & GATE), Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B), Technician-A, Administrative Assistant, Stenographer, Store Assistant, and other allied roles.

With India’s growing focus on indigenous defence technology, aerospace research, missiles, electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced weapon systems, a career in DRDO offers prestige, job security, cutting-edge research exposure, and excellent growth opportunities. The DRDO Exam 2026 is expected to witness massive competition, making early and strategic preparation extremely important.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about DRDO Exam 2026, including notification details, post-wise vacancies, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, preparation tips, books, salary structure, and FAQs.

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About DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) works under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1958, DRDO is responsible for developing advanced defence technologies to strengthen India’s military capabilities.

Key Highlights of DRDO:

• Over 50 laboratories and establishments across India
• Research in missiles, aircraft, naval systems, electronics, armaments, life sciences, cyber technology, AI & robotics
• Major projects include Agni & Prithvi missiles, Tejas aircraft, Arjun tank, Akash missile system

Working with DRDO means contributing directly to national security and technological self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

DRDO Exam 2026 – Overview

DRDO Exam 2026 – Important Dates (Expected)

Note: Dates are tentative and will be updated after official notification.

DRDO Exam 2026 – Posts & Vacancies (Expected)

DRDO releases vacancies under different recruitment drives such as CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) and Scientist Entry.

Popular Posts:

1. Scientist ‘B’ (Engineering & Science disciplines)
2. Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B)
3. Technician-A
4. Administrative Assistant (A)
5. Store Assistant / Security Assistant
6. Stenographer Grade-II
7. Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)

Expected Vacancies:

• 2000+ posts (combined technical & non-technical)

DRDO Exam 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification (Post-Wise)

1. Scientist ‘B’

• BE/BTech or Master’s Degree in relevant discipline
• Valid GATE score (for most disciplines)

2. Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B)

• Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

3. Technician-A

• Class 10th pass with ITI certificate in relevant trade

4. Administrative & Other Posts

• 10+2 or Graduation depending on the post

Age Limit (As on Cut-off Date)

DRDO Exam 2026 – Selection Process

The selection process varies according to the post:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Objective-type questions
• Discipline-specific + General Aptitude

2. Skill Test / Trade Test

• For Technician, Steno, Admin posts
• Qualifying in nature

3. Interview (Scientist ‘B’)

• Personal Interview
• Weightage to GATE score + interview

4. Document Verification & Medical Examination

DRDO Exam 2026 – Exam Pattern

For STA-B & Technician-A (CEPTAM)

• Time Duration: 90 minutes
• Negative Marking: Yes (0.25 marks)

Scientist ‘B’ Exam Pattern

• Shortlisting based on GATE Score
• Interview carries major weightage

DRDO Exam 2026 – Syllabus (Detailed)

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies
• Coding-Decoding
• Series
• Blood Relations
• Directions
• Logical Venn Diagrams

Quantitative Aptitude

• Number System
• Percentage
• Profit & Loss
• Ratio & Proportion
• Time & Work
• Time & Distance
• Simple & Compound Interest

English Language

• Vocabulary
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Error Detection
• Sentence Improvement
• Reading Comprehension

General Awareness

• Current Affairs
• Defence & Space Technology
• Indian Polity
• Geography
• History
• Basic Science

Technical Subjects (Post-Wise)

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics & Communication
• Computer Science / IT
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Life Sciences

DRDO Exam 2026 – Salary Structure

Pay Level (7th Pay Commission)

Additional Benefits

• DA, HRA, TA
• Medical facilities
• Pension (NPS)
• LTC & Leave benefits

DRDO Exam 2026 – Preparation Strategy

The Likh Padh mobile test App provides everything which we have discussed above. Likh Padh test App provides free CBT mock papers for DRDO exam 2026 along with detailed explanation and solution. The Likh Padh Test App also provide DRDO free PYQ question papers that are asked in the previous years papers for DRDO exam. Likh Padh also provides free previous year question paper PDF download for DRDO exam 2026.

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Focus more on technical subjects, as they carry maximum weightage.

2. Make a Realistic Study Plan

• 6–8 hours daily study
• Divide time between theory, practice & revision

3. Practice Mock Tests

• Improve speed & accuracy
• Identify weak areas

4. Strengthen Current Affairs

• Focus on defence, science & technology news

5. Revise Regularly

• Weekly revision is mandatory
• Short notes help in last-minute revision

Best Books for DRDO Exam 2026

General Studies

• Lucent’s General Knowledge
• Manorama Yearbook

Quant & Reasoning

• R.S. Aggarwal
• Arun Sharma (Quantitative Aptitude)

Technical Subjects

• Standard engineering textbooks
• GATE preparation books

Mock Tests

• Online test series (DRDO CEPTAM specific)

Why Choose a Career in DRDO?

• Work on advanced defence projects
• Job stability & respect
• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to serve the nation
• Exposure to global defence technologies

DRDO Exam 2026 – FAQs

Q1. Is DRDO Exam 2026 conducted every year?

Yes, DRDO conducts recruitment exams regularly based on vacancies.

Q2. Is GATE compulsory for all DRDO posts?

No, GATE is mainly required for Scientist ‘B’ posts.

Q3. Can final-year students apply?

Yes, for certain posts, final-year candidates are eligible.

Q4. Is there negative marking in DRDO Exam?

Yes, negative marking is applicable in CBT exams.

Conclusion

The DRDO Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming to build a prestigious and impactful career in defense research and development. With the right preparation strategy, strong conceptual clarity, and consistent practice, cracking the DRDO exam is absolutely achievable. Start your preparation early, stay updated with official notifications, and focus on both technical excellence and aptitude skills.

Likh Padh online mobile app free online test series, PYQ, mock test, previous year question papers to crack DRDO exams. It is designed for DRDO exam and is developed according to the latest pattern of DRDO exam. These online test series are best for the exam preparation as it also covers the previous years asked questions of DRDO exam.

If you are serious about contributing to India’s defense and technological advancement, DRDO is the perfect destination for your career.